Rabat – The South African Football Association (SAFA) National Executive Committee has approved the appointment of Pitso Mosimane as the new Bafana Bafana head coach, paving the way for his return to the national team more than a decade after his first spell in charge.
SAFA confirmed the decision following an extraordinary NEC meeting held at SAFA House on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), said the NEC had backed Mosimane, although some administrative details still need to be completed before the appointment is formally announced.
“The NEC has approved the appointment of coach Pitso to Bafana Bafana, but we still need to tie up some loose ends,” Jordaan said. “We will make a formal announcement of the coach next week.”
Mosimane is returning at a significant moment for South African football. Bafana Bafana recently enjoyed a historic campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history.
South Africa also ended a 24-year wait to return to the World Cup. At the tournament, Bafana Bafana defeated South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey, with Thapelo Maseko scoring the decisive goal to send the team into the second round.
The appointment follows the departure of Hugo Broos, who stepped down from his position a few days ago after guiding South Africa through a successful period that included World Cup qualification.
A second spell with Bafana Bafana
Mosimane is no stranger to the national team. He previously managed Bafana Bafana from 2010 to 2012, having served as an assistant coach before taking the top job.
He initially worked alongside Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and was part of the South African coaching staff at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, hosted by South Africa. He was subsequently appointed head coach in July 2010.
His first spell ended in 2012, but Mosimane went on to establish himself as one of Africa’s most successful coaches at club level.
A decorated African coach
Following his departure from Bafana Bafana, Mosimane took charge of Mamelodi Sundowns, where he built one of the continent’s strongest club sides.
He guided Sundowns to several domestic trophies and, most notably, their first CAF Champions League title in 2016. The achievement also earned him the CAF Coach of the Year award.
Mosimane later made history at Al Ahly, becoming the first non-Egyptian African coach to manage the Cairo giants. He won the CAF Champions League twice with the club, in 2020 and 2021, as well as the Egyptian Premier League, Egypt Cup and CAF Super Cup.
His success with Sundowns and Al Ahly established him as one of the most accomplished African coaches of his generation.
